Christmas Family Pics

Some pics for you from last night.  BJ looks like he has had enough of Christmas!  We love you all!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from Brandon, BJ, Pedro, and me (the guys and me)! We hope you all had a wonderful day and season. We have had a very busy last 2 weeks. We hosted a residency applicant dinner at our house with about 18 people attending on the 17th, which went great. Then EARLY the 18th, Brandon dropped BJ and I off at the airport, and we flew back to Omaha to celebrate Christmas with extended family. BJ did great on both flights- he ate and then slept the whole way- good thing it is a short flight. We met Grammy at the airport- she even brought one of BJ's Christmas presents to the airport- a carseat carrier to shield him from the frigid weather. We had planned to go see Brandon's grandpa in Creston Friday, but were unable to do so after and ice and snow storm came through and Hwy 34 was deemed "travel not advised." We were really bummed since we wanted him to meet BJ, but weren't able to travel. We spent Friday night at Grandma and Grandpa Workman's house having a wonderful meal and were spoiled with presents for both of us. We spent Sat. in Lincoln with my grandmothers, Sunday was my mom's side of the family's birthday party for Jesus. Monday we made Christmas cookies at Aunt Miranda's house, Tues. we watched the traditional White Christmas before BJ and I got back on the plane to come home to Daddy. It was a whirlwind trip. BJ did great- although did have a hard time sleeping while away- traveling was hard on his schedule- and he always sleeps better in his crib or pack-n-play rather than the carseat. It was great to be able to see everyone and be able to introduce BJ to the family.

Yesterday, we had his 2 month check-up- complete with his first round of shots. He weighs 13 lbs 3.5 oz- 85%, 24 in long 80%, and 16 5/8 in head- 75%. Growing well. The doc says I should donate my bionic milk! He did okay with his shots, but I have never seen him so mad- red faced and screaming. Both Mommy and BJ survived!

Today we relaxed, opened presents, ate well, and went for a walk. It was definitely one of the most relaxing Christmases we have had, and we thoroughly enjoyed it, but did miss being with family. BJ was definitely spoiled by everyone-books, toys, clothes, CD player, and humidifier. In fact, flying back, I got 31 lbs of books in a duffle bag- very interesting! Above all, we want to remember the baby in a manger today who grew into the man who died on the cross for our salvation- the greatest gift we have ever received.

Christmas Eve present

Playing video games with Daddy

Cuddle time with Daddy (don't worry I'll try and remind Brandon to take Mommy pics!)

Smiles and coos

BJ is definitely growing bigger and older. He loves to eat and continues to get heavier and longer. He is slowly able to wear more 0-3 month clothes (depending on how big they are) and he now likes to kick the side of the glider while he eats (which he couldn't reach as well a while ago). He is also getting more interactive with us which is really fun. He is working on smiling. When you put him down on the changing table he loves to look at you and give you a big grin! It is so cute!! Also, he has started cooing some, making all kinds of noises. It is so fun! The first time he looked at me and smiled I started crying- it just warms your heart- even though I think it was just a fluke. The funny thing now is, I'm not sure when to mark down in his baby book as his first smile! He still makes me wonder if he is smiling at me, or merely smiling and just happens to be looking at me! His other big step- he is sleeping almost all of his naps and at night in his crib. Occasionally we will put him back in his bassinet if he is having some trouble sleeping- but he's gone a few days being exclusively in his crib- what a big boy!! The funny thing is that we put him in the same place so his video monitor will show his face and now there is a dent in the mattress where his head goes!!

Visits and Prayer

So we have had a busy time since I last blogged. I'll try to quickly update you on all that is going on in our house.

Black Friday- Brandon headed out for Black Friday shopping for the first time leaving for Best Buy at 2:30 a.m. Even at that crzy hour, he would have likely missed out on the door buster deals if it wasn't for his friend who set up an entire camp at 2 p.m. Thanksgiving Day- complete with tents, propane heaters, LCD TV's with gaming systems and a coffee bar. He was pumped to get a great deal on a Playstation 3 which he claims is for BJ.

Last wek we were blessed to have or friend Liz visit from Arkansas. We had an awesome visit- despite how short it had to be. During a snow storm here in Denver, we took BJ on his first all day shopping trip. We hit the mall, 2 shoe stores, Old Navy, Babies R Us, and had dinner at Sweet Tomatoes before curling up with a chick flick. BJ did great despite the cold and the snow. It was great to have her here- and she was a pro with BJ- she will be an amazing mom when God decides to bless them with a little one.

Unfortunately our visit was cut short after getting a call Wed. morning that my grandpa (my dad's dad) had passed away Tues. night. He had been having some health problems the last 6 months, but had only this year stopped working. He was 87 and a great man, but we were all saddened by the fact that to our knowledge was not a Christian. So Friday afternoon we packed up and started the long trek back to Omaha for the funeral. Despite having to stop every 3 hours to burp and change BJ (I pumped and fed him bottles on the way to avoid having to take him out of his carseat for feedings that would have been 30-45 minutes), we made good time (I don't even want to know how fast Brandon was driving). BJ did well in the car, but definitely was happy to get out of his car seat. The funeral was nice, I actually got to see much of my family we haven't seen in over a decade. However, the highlights of the trip were getting to see Grammy and Papa, meeting Aunt Miranda and Uncle Jason- and seeing their awesome new house in Omaha and Miranda's growing baby bump- she looks amazing. BJ can't wait for his new cousin to arrive in May.

The whole trip just reminded us however, how important a personal relationship with Christ is in life and in death. I am encouraged to pray continually that one day I will have the pleasure of leading BJ in the most important decision of his life- giving his heart and life over to the one true God. Please remember my family in your prayers as they adjust to the loss and join me in praying for the salvation of our little boy.

Pic of the whole fam:

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! I think it would be a huge understatement to say we have lots o thank God for. Brandon and I feel so blessed by each other, ou family and friends and our new little blessing! We had a great time celebrating at Matt's (Brandon's brother) house with some extended family. We (including BJ) ate a ton and enjoyed the company (especially BJ who spent most of the day in someone's arms)! BJ really embraced his first thnksgiving- eating a lot starting the night before (read 2.5 hours in between feeds at one time) to eating and sleeping a lot the day of, and a long nap 7.5 hours in between a feed the night after. Mom appreciated the post dinner night more :) We also somewhat celebrated Daddy's birthday yesterday- but we'll probably try and go to a movie or dinner sometime this weekend in addition to the quick present we gave him yesterday. Today- Black Friday tradition- the Colorado vs. Nebraska game. Despite our current residence, you all know who we will be cheering for. (See the pic below). Anyway, today will be busy so I should run, but wanted to post these pics.

Sleeping with one foot out

Riding doggie

I love this pic- Pedro looks like "I didn't do anything", Brandon is oblivious and BJ is eyeing that dog!

My boys

The full Thanksgiving outfit- it says "My First Thanksgiving"

And game day gear- the outfit is a bit too big- the onsie is 3-6 months and the jeans are still a little big- but still cute.

No longer a newborn

Time flies. I can't believe that BJ is no longer considered a newborn anymore- now an infant. Tomorrow he will be 1 month old. Crazy. He continues to do well- he is growing, evidenced by the fact that some of his newborn onsies are now a little too small, and he has graduated from newborn to stage 1 diapers. The 1's are a little big- but they don't leave little red marks around his chubby thighs! He has started crying a bit more and louder, but for the most part continues to be a great little baby. His cry though can be cute- he has the best pouty lip- but I can't manage to catch a pic of it. Dad and I are definitely in trouble if he keeps that as he grows older. He went to his first Swedish Family Medicine Recruitment dinner last night and was a testament to being able to balance work and personal life (with some work for sure). This week also, he had his first bottle of breast milk which (with Daddy's encouragement and cheers) he chugged. So no worries about nipple confusion here- this kid loves to eat! Brandon was very pleased also later when BJ wouldn't wake up for the next feed, since Daddy's feeding was so good :). He also had his first snowfall this week which lasted a few hours (typical of Denver weather) since it was 45 degrees that afternoon. He wasn't exactly a fan given that it was a bit bright out that day.

He already has a huge family (and friends) that love him, including his older cousins, Wolfgang, Katarina, and Isabella. They all, but especially Isabella, want to know when he is coming to their house again and what he is doing at every moment. The girls like to sit RIGHT next to him while he eats and ask questions like "Is BJ drinking?" "Why did you have a baby" "Are you going to have another baby?" etc. They also like to make sure that we are doing everything right as parents and will alert us when he is crying :) Even Wolfgang likes to ask questions about him, wanting to know why I didn't have 2 babies, when i'm having another one, why they had to cut him out, and very concerned about seeing Aunt Cassi's owie (which is healing nicely).

I'm actually doing really well. My days are very busy- although with not exactly productive things like doing the laundry, cleaning the house, etc. This week i've been released from my 10 lb weight restriction, so I've started slowly working out, which feels good and bad, and I was able to run some on the treadmill.

Brandon still thinks he's pretty cool, spending a lot of time in the evenings hanging out with him. We are still trying to work on the basement some- hopefully it will be finished (minus the entertainment center and wetbar) by Dec. 17th when we have a recruitment dinne scheduled. So if you're in the area and want to help tape and mud, texturize, or paint, we'd love the help!

Too bright Mommy!!

"Daddy's feeding"

Hanging with Dad

"Don't squeeze his head" Aunt MariaOur precious baby, wrinkling his brow while he sleeps, just like Mom used to.

I sleep here now

So far I think we have been blessed with a pretty good sleeper. I say so far as he is only 3 weeks old and I am not naive enough to think this can't change. But so far we have been blessed. At night BJ currently is going 4-5 hours between feeds (which means he is sleeping 3-4 hours straight- which is great for mom!). During the day, he is still working on his sleeping but does pretty well. He is fond of his Orthodontic approved nuk- especially during the day if he is not sleeping as well, but still has difficulty keeping it in long term. The title of the post today, comes from Brandon who likes to narrate his son's life and expressions and keeps me laughing with his comments. BJ is such a good sleeper at times that he will fall asleep while being burped- I realize this isn't odd- many babies do, but he falls asleep when you sit him up and burp him- with his head off to the side. So Brandon's comment is always- "I sleep here now" which is hilarious to me (isn't it great to have a hubby who makes you laugh!) Currently to display his sleeping "talents" BJ is sleeping on my arm on the desk while I type. Granted he is here because he was fussing (it is almost time to eat) and he has his Nuk, but it is still pretty cute.

Things are continuing to go well. We find ways to run errands about 3 days a week to get out of the house, which is nice for the gal who is used to talking all day long at work and now tries to entertain a little one who just falls asleep to her stories!! We've even been on a few more walks- and Pedro does great- although we have yet to have to pass another dog- which will make me very nervous. Brandon's job is going great- he's enjoying himself but I'm not sure he is always on time- given his weakness for cuddle time in the mornings!! Anyway, better post the pics and get moving- BJ is hungry.

Hanging with Daddy

I sleep here now. . . Don't worry- Brandon was hovering over this pic and pulled his hand away for a split second, but you can see how compliant Pedro can be with him!

Sleeping on the changing table!

2 week check up

Yesterday we had our 2 week check up- he is growing so fast!! The goal for the 2 week check up is for him to be back to birth weight by this date- this tells us he is getting enough to eat and growing appropriately. Well, he definitely passed that goal! He now weighs 9 lbs 4 oz, is 20 1/4 inch long, and has a 15 inch head! He definitely loves his breastmilk and doesn't miss any meals! It was great though to see that he is growing so well. Dr. Jill says he looks great- no concerns from her standpoint. And since he is growing so well, we decided to let him decide when he wants to eat at night (provided he doesn't sleep longer than 5 hours straight at this stage in the game). So last night, he had 2 stretches where he went 4 hours between feeds (instead of the usual 3) which was wonderful!! Amazing what one more hour does for you when you've not slept longer than 2.5 hour stretches in over 2 weeks! He continues to be such a good baby- sleeping great at night, happy (for the most part during the day) except for baths, getting dressed, diaper changes, and when mom doesn't get to feeding fast enough! He was lucky enough to meet Grandma and Grandpa Workman this weekend, and had a full weekend of being ooh'ed and ahh'ed over- and being held every chance he could get. I think everyone had a good time! Also, yesterday, BJ and I took a trip up to Daddy's office so the proud papa could show off his guy- everyone commented how cute he was- rightly so! So things continue to be great with the Workman fam- thanks to everyone for the calls, visits, meals, cards, and gifts- I'll get thank you notes out one of these days!! More pics of our beautiful boy:

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everyone. BJ and I have had an eventful halloween- very scary- let me tell you. We had a normal morning- breakfast, second breakfast, and then the scary part- a bath (lots of screaming except when he was getting his hair washed he loves that)- followed by being dressed in his costume from Grammy. True to baby form (moms know what I'm talking about) not 2 minutes after I dressed him in his cute Halloween shirt, he vomited breastmilk all over it and the couch. So the shirt is in the wash- we'll try again later. But it was kind of classic- so here is a scary pic for your halloween pleasure. The shirt says "this is my costume". Literally I was going to comb his hair before it dried and then take a pic!! Too late I guess.

Otherwise, things are going well. He has his moments- the fussy times where he will not sleep, but mostly is eating like a champ- (maybe too well given the vomit!) and sleeping between feeds during the night- thank the Lord. We're starting to get into a routine, but obviously he has his own plan sometimes! Th great news is Wednesday I took him to a breastfeeding weigh in at the hospital and at 8 days of age he was already above birth weight- now 8 lb 12.2 oz!! What a great eater!! We say he didn't get to be 8 lbs in mommy's tummy because he didn't like food :). I'm feeling pretty good, but still get "zingers" around my incision around the R side. I hope that leaves soon because I would like to start some light exercise- walking and yoga, but want to be cautious especially with the pain.

Better run, Grandpa and Grandma Workman are coming today so we need to go get things ready for them. BTW Thanks for the shirt Grammy- it was a big hit (or maybe splash!)

1 week old and special thanks

Wow- it is amazing- BJ is one week old; (I realize that seems very new- it is, but it is amazing) one week has passed since God blessed us with this awesome little boy. Things have been going very well here at home. We were released from the hospital on Thursday and were happy to get home. He's eating well, loves to breastfeed and is getting on a bit of a schedule. Last night was the best night as far as sleeping goes, so hopefully it wasn't a fluke and it continues. BJ's eyes are starting to "track" together more, and he had some more awake time during the day yesterday. He went to his first doctor's appointment on Friday and things looked great. His weight did not drop anymore after being released from the hospital, and he really hasn't been jaundiced. Brandon has gone back to work (yesterday, although he worked a 1/2 day last Thursday). My parents came out for their first visit with their grandson, and it was awesome. Seriously, everyone has been so supportive and helpful and I appreciate it all, but let me take some time to tell you why my parents are so awesome. If you want to skip the sappy stuff- jump to the pics.

My parents came out Friday evening- ready to help. Both Mom and Dad were very clear they were here to minimize the work that Brandon and I needed to do. My dad spent most of the time here (minus the BJ time) working with Brandon (and without Brandon) on the basement. They got a ton accomplished- HD antennae up and wired and finished almost all of the ceiling work- which is such a great help given my 10 lb weight lifting restriction for 6 weeks. Plus my dad, in true Don Lund style, showed his true servant heart going out of his way to try and figure out what I needed- always offering to carry anything- especially up our stairs, checking on how I was feeling, and even going out of his way to make sure I had my favorite cereal in the house. I don't think he stopped working the entire time he was here. He is great with BJ, and it was great to see them spend time together and bond.

My mom has always been one of my favorite people in this whole world. She is the true Proverbs 31 woman- 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." That is my mom. She has been my best friend- supporting me always through every step of my life- and I put her through a lot throughout the years. She arrived Friday ready to take BJ so I could nap, offer suggestions and organization to make my life easier, cook multiple meals (and extra for the freezer), and clean my entire house. What a blessing. My freezer is full, I have gotten more sleep, my house is not cluttered with baby stuff I can't find a place for, and my house hasn't looked this good ever. (She even took out my staples for me on Saturday!) Plus, she has been amazing providing emotional support for a pretty emotional mom over the last few days- letting me cry about anything and everything. She is amazing with her grandson. I just can't do justice to how appreciative I am for her. Needless to say, I've already lost some tears seeing her go. It will be a lifetime goal that I can be even half the mother my mom was for me for BJ- he would be an extremely lucky guy.

Also, if I'm saying thank you's, I cannot forget my amazing husband. Like most males, Brandon was a bit nervous about having a baby and how he would be as a father, but he had nothing to worry about. He is a natural. He may be improving some of his technical skills (mostly just diapering), and he may not know all the answers, but I love seeing him with his son. He is completely smitten. He's taken a million pictures, and a fair amount of video. He can't wait to see the little guy when he wakes up or gets home from work- and asked yesterday if BJ could go help pick up some elk at a friend's house (anxious to show him off). He is constantly trying to figure out how to help me (which can be hard when I don't tell him). He continually tells me despite the leftover soft tummy I'm beautiful, despite his somewhat sleepless night that I did a good job keeping BJ quiet for him, and just that I'm doing a great job as a mom. I know that having a baby puts strain on a marriage, but I think I love him even more- and I hope he knows that.

Okay, I'm done with my sappy tribute- don't worry, I don't plan on doing this with every visitor we have or on a regular basis, but I felt I needed to publicly thank these awesome people in my life.

Now for the pic time.

Here's BJ!!!

Hey guys......So this is my first time making an entry into the blog (yeah, it's B). Our little guy decided that he wanted to come out today and into the world. Let me tell you, he chose the quick route, emergency c-section. Everything was going well, then his heart rate dropped into the 50's and stayed there for about 3 minutes. Phones started to get dialed and the chaos started. It took about 20 seconds for the 9 medical people to get into our room, and for me to get out of the way. They wheeled her off and told me to stay put. That freaked me (us) out for a little bit. Then a few minutes later I was told that everything had stabilized, but they were still going to take the little guy out. About 5 minutes later, my son was breathing on his own! It was really scary for a while, but both mom and boy are doing great! He came out 9:33 (Mountain Time) this morning (10/21/08). We named him Brandon Jacob after his proud daddy and his Uncle BJ (Cassi's brother) that he never got to meet. He weighted 8lbs 11.5 oz and 19" long. Here are a couple of the pictures from today......

Our chunk

So we had our last ultrasound today- sorry no pictures. The good news is that the extra fluid everyone was worried about has normalized, which is a huge answer to prayer, since this makes it really unlikely that the list of things they said could be wrong with him are not possible with normal fluid now. Praise God!! The other news is that he is estimated to be 8 lbs 13 oz. Ultrasounds- especially this late in the pregnancy-can be up to 1/2 lb off, and if I had to guess I'd say this would be smaller estimation just from watching her technique, but we'll have to wait and see how big he turns out to be. (We'll be taking bets!) I have another doctor's appointment tomorrow, but for the most part am there to say I'm still pregnant (not too much to do). I'm feeling pretty good- just really tired and drained. Luckily, I don't realize how tired I am at work- only when I get home- so that is good. I'm not sleeping great- between a few actual contractions, Braxton-Hicks, and potty breaks, I think I'm pretty restless (poor Brandon), but at least I'm allowed to sleep every night in my own bed (other than trying to find an hour in a call room at work)- so we're thankful for that. The one other thing we found out from the ultrasound is that he is OP (or sunny side up) but head down. OP labors are usually longer and more difficult, so we're praying he'll change to OA prior to labor, but know it is all in God's hands. Better run, but thought I would update you all. Here is this week's pic (it's from yesterday).

I have excuses!!

So I do have some good excuses on why I haven't blogged in forever. Mostly has to do with lack of time- 80 hour work weeks really get to you, and the fact that my husband was out of town and took our computer. Do you forgive me? Hopefully so! So I'll try to update you on everything going on here. The Pregnancy: We have reached the crucial full term mark. Yesterday was the pivotal 37 week mark, so by definition, he shouldn't need much support to survive (breathe especially) should he be born now. So now it is just time to wait. Things are going fine. I have appointments weekly starting this week, and we have another ultrasound next week to make sure he isn't > 11 lbs- otherwise, they'll just schedule for a c-section. I'm praying not, although 10 lbs 15 oz doesn't sound fun to do vaginally either!! My guess is more the 8-9 lb range. Obviously ultrsounds aren't the perfect weight estimate (they can be up to 1/2 a lb off) but it gives us a ballpark, and they'll check my fluid again to see if it is increasing or decreasing. So we'll see. I'm more uncomfortable these days, but still want him to come in God's time- not my own and if that means 4 weeks of being uncomfortable I'll take it. (Remind me I said that later!) The baby's room is essentially finished, we just need to pick up last minute things from Target.

We did a birthing class last weekend which was sometimes redundant knowledge, but nice to have a reminder and for B to prepare some. We went over labor, delivery, newborn care, and breastfeeding- which was nice- and good to get some tips on all these areas.

We have the results of a recent DNA test we did on Pedro to determine his breed (drumroll please): he is mostly Lab, then smaller portions of Boxer and Newfoundland. I have to say we have had lots of Lab and boxer guesses but never Newfoundland. It was fun to find out, but B was a little disappointed he wasn't something more unique than Lab- I say he is super unique, as I'm sure you all can contest to!!

Brandon went to Minneapolis for training for 2 weeks and got back last weekend. He definitely had lots of fun (3 people were fired from his training group for having excessive fun) but he learned a lot. He is enjoying his new job- the people and the work, but is anxious to get his hands really dirty (they have been taking it slow with him getting him "ramped" up).

My mom and dad were able to spend a weekend with me while Brandon was gone and were a great help with working on the basement- what a blessing they are- coming to visit and essentially working nonstop. We're still optimistically hoping to get at least to a good stopping point before the baby comes, but we'll see how much we can do in the time we have left. But regardless, it looks great!

Other news, one of my awesome brother-in-laws, Jason, (they are both amazing) has gotten his masters in math and got a job in actuarial science in Omaha. He starts tomorrow! It was a really hard decision for Miranda and Jason, since they have loved Arkansas but thought it was best for their family. So Jason will be living with my parents in Omaha until Christmas break when Miranda moves up. The other exciting news is that they are pregnant!! The little Oswald is to join the fam May 2- so our little guy will have a little cousin to play with close to his age. We are so pumped for them. (Although their moving to Omaha will make it hard for us to talk my mom and dad into moving to Denver :)). But keep the three of them in your prayers, as it will be a long 10 weeks apart, working in different states. Anyway, lots of work to do here, so I better run, but sorry for the large delay in blogging. Here are some pics.

Growing boy

So I've survived my first week back to my busy schedule. What was already a difficult schedule when not pregnant or with a huge belly, is quite tiring lugging around our growing boy! I am a lucky gal and don't usually get much swelling, but post call definitelyget some deep sock lines from my swollen ankles! Also, I took my old body pillow to work so that when I am able to get some shut eye I have the proper "tools" but I have realized the flat old body pillow is not as supportive as my nice new one at home :). Plus, I'm sure the pregnant ladies who show up on labor and delivery for dumb reasons really aren't happy to see another pregnant gal seeing them- let's just say I have sympathy, but my sympathy is diminished when they come in for things regular back pain and tell me they can't work their parttime job anymore :).

My last doctor's appointment was okay. There are still concerns about how big this boy is, and now concerns about the level of amniotic fluid I have. It's higher than normal which could be a normal variant, but could also mean there is something wrong with our baby boy and puts us both at higher risks for complications concerning the rest of the pregnancy. I'll not go into many details, because I know too much so I know everything to worry about- but it would be great if you could keep us in our prayers. I have to say, my husband is wonderful however, in lightening the mood in every circumstance- one of the normal variants of having too much fluid is that the baby could be urinating a lot. So his comment to me was, "it's fine cass, he just has your genes, you pee all the time, so he does too!" God bless that man! I thank God continually for putting us together!!

Friday was Brandon's last day as a welder. It was hard to leave since he loved his job a lot, but he decided it was just too hard on his body (and he has a little boy to think about now). So he will start Wednesday working in logistics. Back to a desk job- but one he is pumped about! It is a pretty fast moving industry, where they spend time working with shipping companies and customers to get thing shipped and his skills in math and problem solving will be challenged- which he likes. He starts Wed. and then Sun. flies to the Twin Cities for a 2 week training. The company is 6 miles from our house, so his commute will be cut from 39 miles to 12 daily- which will be nice. Anyway, that's the update, gotta run- I don't have a self-cleaning house- wouldn't that be great!

Latest bump:

32 weeks

So we've made it to the 32 week mark! The baby continues to grow- I hadn't thought my belly was getting to much bigger but Brandon (nicely) shares with me that it definitely is. My mom says once you get big you don't notice getting bigger- I definitely think that is the case. You can judge for yourself below. I've finished my easy month of work and will be starting a busier schedule coming up on Monday- call every 4 days, 80 hour work weeks- I definitely have been spoiled lately- it will be a shock to my system, but I'm anxious to get back to my clinic. We'll see how I survive no sleep and potentially being on my feet 30 hours in a row. (Plus, my belly may make deliveries a bit more complicated!) But despite the size of the baby, things are going well. I'm still working out, but run much less than before- there is a lot to carry especially at that speed! (I'm sure I'm going at a snail's pace, but you know).

The great news is that Brandon got offered (and has accepted) another job!! He will be working in logistics- back in an office, but faster paced and more demanding that his previous office job. God really blessed us with this one, and we are thrilled- plus they were quite complimentary towards Brandon and his skills which is great to know his new company already appreciates him (as they definitely should)! So he'll be starting in a little less than 2 weeks and will have a 2 week training in MN in Sept. (which will be a bummer to have him gone, but better to do it now than after the baby). His job will be much closer to the house with a faster commute and flexible hours- such a blessing!

Last weekend we had the extreme privledge of attending Katarina's (Brandon's niece) first dance recital. It was so awesome to get to see her (age 3) doing ballet on the stage (even if there was a significant amount of standing around and watching the other girls in her class). So for fun, I'll attach 2 pics from that day- she looked so cute in her outfit. Plus, Brandon and I were a big hit since we got her a flower to celebrate her big day- she carried it around the house most of the rest of the afternoon! Such a big girl!!!

She's the one looking over to the girl next to her with her hands crossed on her skirt!
Sorry- I know it is fuzzy, but its hard to take a pic of yourself with one hand!